Jason Robinson Jr. was arguably the most talented route-running wide receiver in his 2024 recruiting class. The Southern California native narrowed his top ten schools to programs including Penn State, Syracuse, Florida State and Notre Dame. But he ended up staying on the West Coast, committing to Washington. The pedigree of wide receivers this team has had over the past couple of seasons was elite. And the skill set that this true freshman brings to Seattle has the potential to keep that tradition going.
Jason Robinson Jr. As a Recruit
Robinson was a three-star recruit when he committed to Washington in the summer of 2023. His commitment came just a few months before he suited up for his senior season of high school, and first season at San Juan Hills High School. There, he caught 68 passes for 900 yards and nine touchdowns. Robinson was tabbed the number 72 wide receiver nationally, and a top-40 player in the state of California.
Prior to his season at San Juan Hills, Robinson played three years at Long Beach Poly. His junior season was limited as he battled injury. But he still managed to haul in five touchdowns and 671 reception yards. But Robinson’s sophomore season was where he really made a statement in the high school ranks. He caught 12 touchdown passes with 1,007 yards receiving on 63 catches. Robinson’s quarterback that season was a player by the name of Shea Kuykendall, who just transferred to Washington from Northern Colorado. The two will be on the same roster once again, but this time in the Big Ten Conference.
Route-Running Specialist
It’s not a stretch to say that Robinson is the best route-runner on the Washington football roster. It’s a combination of a couple things that make him stand out. For starters, when you look at Robinson’s high school tape and what he did in a month of practice this Spring, you see a player who understands how to use his abilities to get open.
Robinson can go from full speed to full stop in a moment, creating substantial separation with defenders. His deceleration was a weapon in high school where he was able to consistently give himself space to make plays after the catch. On longer-developing routes, Robinson’s cuts are intentional and direct, and he doesn’t lose his momentum when changing direction. His shiftiness after the catch makes him a difficult player to bring to the ground.
The other thing Robinson does well is that he noticeably gives each play his full effort. In wide receiver cone drills, Robinson makes a point to focus on his release, footwork, and cuts. He has a unique ability to get his hips turned very quickly and efficiently while keeping his feet moving. This generates the explosiveness in and out of those turns and cuts. In the route tree, Robinson bounces out of breaks in all settings. Whether it be during solo drills, one-on-ones, or during 11-on-11, Robinson is hitting each rep like it’s a game rep.
Where Robinson Fits at Washington
Robinson is listed at 5’-10” and 151 pounds and likely projects as a slot player at Washington. But he’ll be fed the football in multiple ways. It will come through the air and on the ground, as he did take handoffs this Spring on the end-around play. Robinson also got in on special teams returning kickoffs during April. He was dangerous in the kick return game in high school, and it appears that the Washington staff will try him back deep as well.
The tools and traits are there, but Robinson is likely at least a year or so away from where he needs to be as a Power Four wide receiver. The physical nature of becoming an everyday pass-catcher in the Big Ten will require him to add to his frame. There are also a handful of receivers in this room who are ready to be the everyday guys on this roster including Denzel Boston. Robinson isn’t there yet, but he doesn’t have to be. He’s only been on campus for about five months. But what we’ve seen from him during that time has been promising. Robinson has the intangibles and route-running capability to build himself into that everyday pass-catcher for one of the Big Ten’s newest programs.
Main image courtesy: Nick Lemkau
